United Nations forbids defaming religion, specifically Islam
Nat Hentoff Reports this Disturbing Development in the international body, which passed this resolution that while 'nonbinding' could lead to a situation under international law where nations would be able to seek extradition and trial abroad of persons who make statements critical or offensive anywhere in the world. Kurt Westergaard, the cartoonist who drew Muhammed with a bomb for a turban comes to mind. In fact the Ugandans who crafted this resolution say they had him in mind too.
Don't count on the resolution affording any relief to the world's many persecuted Christian minorities. The resolution only mentions Islam.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
'Bipartisanship' Washington Style
Eric Cantor Won His Election Too
Several times our new President has flatly stated "I won" to cut off discussion of items pertaining to policies or legislation that is being criticized or opposed. He had promised a new transparency in government but as his almost one trillion dollar stimulus comes together he wants no one to question its content.
Earlier I mentioned a Wall Street Journal article that outlines some of the elements of this legislation that quite frankly deserve to be examined. Unfortunately the Associated Press reports that Mr. Obama's answer to those who would examine his proposed spending package is that they need to quit listening to Rush Limbaugh if they want to get along with Democrats and the new administration. "'You can't just listen to Rush Limbaugh and get things done," he told top GOP leaders, whom he had invited to the White House to discuss his nearly $1 trillion stimulus package.
Representative Eric Cantor of Virginia dared to question portions of the legislation and Mr. Obama told Mr. Cantor: "I won, I will trump you on that."
Mr. Cantor was on Rush Limbaugh's show this afternoon discussing the controversial stimulus proposal, which includes funds for ACORN and other interests that helped elect Mr. Obama.
If I remember correctly, Eric Cantor was elected by the good people of Virginia to represent people like myself. He stood for election in his race and guess what?HE WON! Dennis Prager has opined that there are really two Americas now. Mr. Obama's election proves it. He won, but almost half of the voters voted for someone else. Is it really fair that the America that didn't vote for Obama be denied representation and a voice?
Several times our new President has flatly stated "I won" to cut off discussion of items pertaining to policies or legislation that is being criticized or opposed. He had promised a new transparency in government but as his almost one trillion dollar stimulus comes together he wants no one to question its content.
Earlier I mentioned a Wall Street Journal article that outlines some of the elements of this legislation that quite frankly deserve to be examined. Unfortunately the Associated Press reports that Mr. Obama's answer to those who would examine his proposed spending package is that they need to quit listening to Rush Limbaugh if they want to get along with Democrats and the new administration. "'You can't just listen to Rush Limbaugh and get things done," he told top GOP leaders, whom he had invited to the White House to discuss his nearly $1 trillion stimulus package.
Representative Eric Cantor of Virginia dared to question portions of the legislation and Mr. Obama told Mr. Cantor: "I won, I will trump you on that."
Mr. Cantor was on Rush Limbaugh's show this afternoon discussing the controversial stimulus proposal, which includes funds for ACORN and other interests that helped elect Mr. Obama.
If I remember correctly, Eric Cantor was elected by the good people of Virginia to represent people like myself. He stood for election in his race and guess what?HE WON! Dennis Prager has opined that there are really two Americas now. Mr. Obama's election proves it. He won, but almost half of the voters voted for someone else. Is it really fair that the America that didn't vote for Obama be denied representation and a voice?
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Answers for Troubled Times
Consider This, Others Have Walked this Path Before
Here's an encouraging place to visit, www.needhim.org that can be helpful if life just seems too perplexing right now.
Here's an encouraging place to visit, www.needhim.org that can be helpful if life just seems too perplexing right now.
Monday, January 26, 2009
The Nehemiah Project
Transformative Projects at the Grassroots Level
Take the young people from ten city churches, bring them together to rehabilitate houses in the city under the supervision of Rebuilding Together and you have a revolution in the making! Youth pastor Rick Miller of Staunton Alliance Church had a dream... this Summer, from July 12 to 17 the dream will become a reality. Staunton Alliance has participated in house rehabilitation on a smaller scale in the past two Summers.
Take the young people from ten city churches, bring them together to rehabilitate houses in the city under the supervision of Rebuilding Together and you have a revolution in the making! Youth pastor Rick Miller of Staunton Alliance Church had a dream... this Summer, from July 12 to 17 the dream will become a reality. Staunton Alliance has participated in house rehabilitation on a smaller scale in the past two Summers.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Affirming the Pursuit of Security
It is a New Era, But the Battle is Not New
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed." -- American Declaration of Independence
John Locke is credited with the original thought: "no one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty, or possessions" In the first article of the Virginia Declaration of Rights, George Mason explains it better: "That all men are by nature equally free and independent, and have certain inherent rights, of which, when they enter into a state of society, they cannot, by any compact, deprive or divest their posterity; namely, the enjoyment of life and liberty, with the means of acquiring and possessing property, and pursuing and obtaining happiness and safety."
This document is considered to be a model for the Declaration of Independence. Today the financial corruption of large entities, both government and corporate, are a real threat to this fundamental yearning. Here is one of the greatest challenges we face.
The Enron Complex
Franklin Raines
Perhaps a good beginning is to Acknowledge Corruption in the bodies one would invoke to oversee us.
Hydrogen cars offer the promise of
cleaner air and a healthy economy.
Then A Policy of Public and Private Entities in Partnership for Energy Independence would go a long way to secure this right. Nuclear Energy, Hydrogen cars, and a general push to go beyond the era of fossel fuel would also give us better environmental stewardship and national security. Hydrogen Cars are Here Now and we must have the resolve to build the clean technology of the future. If we can put a man on the Moon, we can build this new method of propelling our prosperity.
The economic benefits would be many. No doubt we would maintain a position of leadership in the production of this technology. Reduced oil consumption would help our balance of trade. Economic stability would benefit us far into the future.
New Ways of Looking at Healthcare, Education and Retirement will also be necessary.
Here is a Thought Provoking Piece by Theodore Dalrymple in City Journal that underscores the importance of protecting this basic human right.
Update:
Build Big, Mr. President by Howard Husock in City Journal proposes: "Obama should look past mere improvements and plan transformative infrastructure projects."
Required Reading:
Great Myths of the Great Depression [Click to Read]
by Lawrence W. Reed
"The genesis of the Great Depression lay in the irresponsible monetary and fiscal policies of the U.S. government in the late 1920s and early 1930s. These policies included a litany of political missteps: central bank mismanagement, tradecrushing tariffs, incentive-sapping taxes, mind-numbing controls on production and competition, senseless destruction of crops and cattle, and coercive labor laws, to recount just a few. It was not the free market which produced 12 years of agony; rather, it was political bungling on a grand scale."
Now Check Out the 4o Year Wish List as seen in The Wall Street Journal
Also: Is America's Diplomacy of Freedom Officially Over
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed." -- American Declaration of Independence
John Locke is credited with the original thought: "no one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty, or possessions" In the first article of the Virginia Declaration of Rights, George Mason explains it better: "That all men are by nature equally free and independent, and have certain inherent rights, of which, when they enter into a state of society, they cannot, by any compact, deprive or divest their posterity; namely, the enjoyment of life and liberty, with the means of acquiring and possessing property, and pursuing and obtaining happiness and safety."
This document is considered to be a model for the Declaration of Independence. Today the financial corruption of large entities, both government and corporate, are a real threat to this fundamental yearning. Here is one of the greatest challenges we face.
The Enron Complex
Franklin Raines
Perhaps a good beginning is to Acknowledge Corruption in the bodies one would invoke to oversee us.
Hydrogen cars offer the promise of
cleaner air and a healthy economy.
Then A Policy of Public and Private Entities in Partnership for Energy Independence would go a long way to secure this right. Nuclear Energy, Hydrogen cars, and a general push to go beyond the era of fossel fuel would also give us better environmental stewardship and national security. Hydrogen Cars are Here Now and we must have the resolve to build the clean technology of the future. If we can put a man on the Moon, we can build this new method of propelling our prosperity.
The economic benefits would be many. No doubt we would maintain a position of leadership in the production of this technology. Reduced oil consumption would help our balance of trade. Economic stability would benefit us far into the future.
New Ways of Looking at Healthcare, Education and Retirement will also be necessary.
Here is a Thought Provoking Piece by Theodore Dalrymple in City Journal that underscores the importance of protecting this basic human right.
Update:
Build Big, Mr. President by Howard Husock in City Journal proposes: "Obama should look past mere improvements and plan transformative infrastructure projects."
Required Reading:
Great Myths of the Great Depression [Click to Read]
by Lawrence W. Reed
"The genesis of the Great Depression lay in the irresponsible monetary and fiscal policies of the U.S. government in the late 1920s and early 1930s. These policies included a litany of political missteps: central bank mismanagement, tradecrushing tariffs, incentive-sapping taxes, mind-numbing controls on production and competition, senseless destruction of crops and cattle, and coercive labor laws, to recount just a few. It was not the free market which produced 12 years of agony; rather, it was political bungling on a grand scale."
Now Check Out the 4o Year Wish List as seen in The Wall Street Journal
Also: Is America's Diplomacy of Freedom Officially Over
Affirming Liberty
It is a New Era, But the Battle is Not New
Hat tip to Valley Family Forum
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed." -- American Declaration of Independence
We have just inaugurated a new president, and Congress is back in session. So how will that affect our lives and our liberties? Here are some challenges we are likely to face in the days ahead. Congress is likely to:
Pass a Freedom of Choice Act that would reverse nearly every law that states have passed to limit abortion on demand – including partial-birth abortions. New evidence on fetal pain makes this a very inhumane thing to do.
Overturn the Federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) that defines marriage as between one man and one woman, and replace it with laws that would grant same-sex “unions” the same benefits that are now accorded only to married couples. Think of the campground in New Jersey that lost its tax-exempt status for not allowing a same-sex ceremony. Churches could be pressured to violate their conscience or lose their non-profit status. Don't think of this as a civil rights issue so much as a vehicle for imposing a certain set of values on society.
Enact an Employee Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) that could force all employers – including religious and non-profit groups – to accept openly homosexual behavior even when it violates their conscience or could put their clients, including children, in danger. Think of the danger you would face if you operated a preschool or a day care center.
Overturn Conscience Protection for healthcare workers, Physicians and Pharmacists. Our country has a great tradition of respecting conscience. When the military draft was in effect there were clear provisions for those who's conscience would not allow them to take up arms. Health Care Professionals deserve to be protected from pressure to violate their beliefs.
Enact laws like the Matthew Shepard Act that would empower government officials to punish anyone who – in their view – expresses "hate speech" or commits "hate crimes." This could include pastors who present a biblical view of homosexual behavior. Matthew Shepard, it turns out, was killed for money. All murder is a hateful crime. We don't need to apply affirmative action to something that is so vile by its very nature.
Enact the so-called "Fairness Doctrine" which could, for all practical purposes, eliminate Christian and conservative free speech on the nation's airwaves. Now is the Time to Speak Out before our First Amendment Rights are forever amended.
If Congress does attempt to pass these harmful bills, what can we do to stop them? We need to let our elected representatives know our thoughts on these important issues!
Hat tip to Valley Family Forum
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed." -- American Declaration of Independence
We have just inaugurated a new president, and Congress is back in session. So how will that affect our lives and our liberties? Here are some challenges we are likely to face in the days ahead. Congress is likely to:
Pass a Freedom of Choice Act that would reverse nearly every law that states have passed to limit abortion on demand – including partial-birth abortions. New evidence on fetal pain makes this a very inhumane thing to do.
Overturn the Federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) that defines marriage as between one man and one woman, and replace it with laws that would grant same-sex “unions” the same benefits that are now accorded only to married couples. Think of the campground in New Jersey that lost its tax-exempt status for not allowing a same-sex ceremony. Churches could be pressured to violate their conscience or lose their non-profit status. Don't think of this as a civil rights issue so much as a vehicle for imposing a certain set of values on society.
Enact an Employee Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) that could force all employers – including religious and non-profit groups – to accept openly homosexual behavior even when it violates their conscience or could put their clients, including children, in danger. Think of the danger you would face if you operated a preschool or a day care center.
Overturn Conscience Protection for healthcare workers, Physicians and Pharmacists. Our country has a great tradition of respecting conscience. When the military draft was in effect there were clear provisions for those who's conscience would not allow them to take up arms. Health Care Professionals deserve to be protected from pressure to violate their beliefs.
Enact laws like the Matthew Shepard Act that would empower government officials to punish anyone who – in their view – expresses "hate speech" or commits "hate crimes." This could include pastors who present a biblical view of homosexual behavior. Matthew Shepard, it turns out, was killed for money. All murder is a hateful crime. We don't need to apply affirmative action to something that is so vile by its very nature.
Enact the so-called "Fairness Doctrine" which could, for all practical purposes, eliminate Christian and conservative free speech on the nation's airwaves. Now is the Time to Speak Out before our First Amendment Rights are forever amended.
If Congress does attempt to pass these harmful bills, what can we do to stop them? We need to let our elected representatives know our thoughts on these important issues!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Affirming Life
It Is a New Era, But this Battle is Not New
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed." -- American Declaration of Independence
This Article in World Magazine really caught my attention. We tend to think of abortion as a problem that is relatively new but Marvin Olasky points out the sad fact that it has been around far longer than Roe vs Wade. Indeed it became a very real problem towards the end of the Nineteenth Century.
The great upheaval of Westward expansion and increased mobility was followed by an increase in abortion that was shocking even by today's standards. Then as Now Christian Groups Rose to the Challenge of meeting the needs of women and their babies.
Olasky's Article shows how concerned Christians effectively affirmed life then and in so doing gives us a real strategy for doing so now.
Given today's political realities, our best victories are likely to be won in similar fashion, one heart at a time.
Update:
U.S. Bishops Ask President Obama Not to Reverse Bush's Pro-Life Policies
Cardinal Francis George's letter urges the new president not to abandon our nation's pro-life policies.
Update:
The Strategic Role of Operation Ultrasound
Medical Imaging lets the unborn speak for themselves. Upgrading your local Pregnancy Resource Center to include ultrasound may be one of the most effective ways to affirm life.
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed." -- American Declaration of Independence
This Article in World Magazine really caught my attention. We tend to think of abortion as a problem that is relatively new but Marvin Olasky points out the sad fact that it has been around far longer than Roe vs Wade. Indeed it became a very real problem towards the end of the Nineteenth Century.
The great upheaval of Westward expansion and increased mobility was followed by an increase in abortion that was shocking even by today's standards. Then as Now Christian Groups Rose to the Challenge of meeting the needs of women and their babies.
Olasky's Article shows how concerned Christians effectively affirmed life then and in so doing gives us a real strategy for doing so now.
Given today's political realities, our best victories are likely to be won in similar fashion, one heart at a time.
Update:
U.S. Bishops Ask President Obama Not to Reverse Bush's Pro-Life Policies
Cardinal Francis George's letter urges the new president not to abandon our nation's pro-life policies.
Update:
The Strategic Role of Operation Ultrasound
Medical Imaging lets the unborn speak for themselves. Upgrading your local Pregnancy Resource Center to include ultrasound may be one of the most effective ways to affirm life.
His Name is Wonderful
Taking Jesus to the Nations
Pastor Warren prayed in the name of the one who had made the difference in his life;
Jesus, יֵוֹשֻׁשׁוּעַ (Yeshuah) (Hebrew) عيسى (Isa) (Arabic), Jesus (Spanish Pronunciation).
There is an old hymn that says: "Oh for a thousand tongues to sing my great redeemer's praise" Thanks to Pastor Warren for teaching us several more.
Spring Trees.
Pastor Warren prayed in the name of the one who had made the difference in his life;
Jesus, יֵוֹשֻׁשׁוּעַ (Yeshuah) (Hebrew) عيسى (Isa) (Arabic), Jesus (Spanish Pronunciation).
There is an old hymn that says: "Oh for a thousand tongues to sing my great redeemer's praise" Thanks to Pastor Warren for teaching us several more.
Spring Trees.
Christians in Gaza
Another Underreported Side of Life Under Hamas
The Suffering of Gaza's 3000 Minority Christians under Hamas rule is as real as the rain of rockets on Sderot. Lela Gilbert in Jewish World Review gives us a bit of their story. For a Christian family living under Hamas, the threats of extortion, rape, beatings and murder are ever present.
The Suffering of Gaza's 3000 Minority Christians under Hamas rule is as real as the rain of rockets on Sderot. Lela Gilbert in Jewish World Review gives us a bit of their story. For a Christian family living under Hamas, the threats of extortion, rape, beatings and murder are ever present.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
A Day to Pray
Pastor Rick Warren's Inaugural Prayer
He dared to pray "in Jesus' Name" and voiced the sentiments of many of us. Pastor Rick Warren's Inaugural Prayer [click to listen] was a plea for G-d's guidance to us as a nation and particularly for our newly elected leaders. No doubt Barack Obama has studied Abraham Lincoln and how he sought divine wisdom during some of our country's most difficult years.
After the swearing in ceremony, the President dined with members of congress in statuary hall. Two senior senators experienced medical emergencies and many came to their aid, comforted them and prayed for them. Many of us watching at home are praying as well.
Our nation faces many challenges in the days ahead. May we always hold her and her leaders in prayer!
Here is Dr. Albert Mohler's Prayer for President Obama [click to read]
"Christians are, first of all, citizens of a heavenly kingdom. The followers of Christ know no allegiance of ultimate rank to any government or earthly authority. Yet, the Bible clearly teaches that God has given us the gifts of law, government, and ruling authorities for our good. We are instructed to pray for "rulers and all who have authority" and to be faithful in praying "so that we can have quiet and peaceful lives full of worship and respect for God" [1 Timothy 2:2]."
Praying for our leaders is a serious charge. But I would be remiss if I didn't at least mention the 'other' controversial prayers of this inauguration:
Bishop Robinson Prayed to His 'Higher Power' at a pre-inauguration ralley according to Dr. Albert Mohler. Whereas Rick Warren was very specific in who he prayed to, Bishop Robinson sought to avoid saying a "Christian" prayer and instead addressed "The God of our many understandings," a reference he learned from twelve step programs.
"The crisis in the Church of England is that too many of its bishops, and some would say of its archbishops, don't quite realize that they are atheists, but have begun to suspect it." -- Clive James
Rev. Joseph Lowery Offered this Benediction: "black will not be asked to get in back, brown can stick around, yellow will be mellow, red man can get ahead, man, and white will embrace what is right..." It sounded like a sixties style civil rights ralley. He's a great man who marched with Dr. King, but here we are in the Twenty-first Century when an African-American is Commander-in-chief [with the votes of many white people]. I don't think Reverend Lowery was trying to offend -- just offering a little historical perspective from the sixties.
My Hope is in 'Amazing Grace.'
Wintley Phipps is an amazing vocal talent.
The Next Day at the National Prayer Service: Wintley Phipps Sang 'Amazing Grace.' [click to listen] It was a stirring benediction all its own. Phipps begins by humming the melody that invokes the song of slaves John Newton was likely to have been inspired by. The "many dangers, toils and snares" of opression, the work of William Wilberforce, countless unnamed abolitionists and many more have brought us to a point in history where a man of African ancestory may become a world leader.
Here is More Background on 'Amazing Grace' as explained by Wintley Phipps. I love the song. It begins in the lowest history of mankind and carries us to the world of glory foretold in Revelation 21! Wintley Phipps' rendition sends chills down my spine and brings tears to my eyes. It is a powerful performance of a timeless masterpiece by a master artist!
Presidential Limousines
I want to know the mpg of this car.
It looks like a caddie, but the specs
sound more like those of a Bradley
armored vehicle.
Here is a Very Interesting Look at Past Presidential Limousines
The Poem
Here's a Piece on Elizabeth Alexander's Poem from City Journal's Stefan Kanfer.
He dared to pray "in Jesus' Name" and voiced the sentiments of many of us. Pastor Rick Warren's Inaugural Prayer [click to listen] was a plea for G-d's guidance to us as a nation and particularly for our newly elected leaders. No doubt Barack Obama has studied Abraham Lincoln and how he sought divine wisdom during some of our country's most difficult years.
After the swearing in ceremony, the President dined with members of congress in statuary hall. Two senior senators experienced medical emergencies and many came to their aid, comforted them and prayed for them. Many of us watching at home are praying as well.
Our nation faces many challenges in the days ahead. May we always hold her and her leaders in prayer!
Here is Dr. Albert Mohler's Prayer for President Obama [click to read]
"Christians are, first of all, citizens of a heavenly kingdom. The followers of Christ know no allegiance of ultimate rank to any government or earthly authority. Yet, the Bible clearly teaches that God has given us the gifts of law, government, and ruling authorities for our good. We are instructed to pray for "rulers and all who have authority" and to be faithful in praying "so that we can have quiet and peaceful lives full of worship and respect for God" [1 Timothy 2:2]."
Praying for our leaders is a serious charge. But I would be remiss if I didn't at least mention the 'other' controversial prayers of this inauguration:
Bishop Robinson Prayed to His 'Higher Power' at a pre-inauguration ralley according to Dr. Albert Mohler. Whereas Rick Warren was very specific in who he prayed to, Bishop Robinson sought to avoid saying a "Christian" prayer and instead addressed "The God of our many understandings," a reference he learned from twelve step programs.
"The crisis in the Church of England is that too many of its bishops, and some would say of its archbishops, don't quite realize that they are atheists, but have begun to suspect it." -- Clive James
Rev. Joseph Lowery Offered this Benediction: "black will not be asked to get in back, brown can stick around, yellow will be mellow, red man can get ahead, man, and white will embrace what is right..." It sounded like a sixties style civil rights ralley. He's a great man who marched with Dr. King, but here we are in the Twenty-first Century when an African-American is Commander-in-chief [with the votes of many white people]. I don't think Reverend Lowery was trying to offend -- just offering a little historical perspective from the sixties.
My Hope is in 'Amazing Grace.'
Wintley Phipps is an amazing vocal talent.
The Next Day at the National Prayer Service: Wintley Phipps Sang 'Amazing Grace.' [click to listen] It was a stirring benediction all its own. Phipps begins by humming the melody that invokes the song of slaves John Newton was likely to have been inspired by. The "many dangers, toils and snares" of opression, the work of William Wilberforce, countless unnamed abolitionists and many more have brought us to a point in history where a man of African ancestory may become a world leader.
Here is More Background on 'Amazing Grace' as explained by Wintley Phipps. I love the song. It begins in the lowest history of mankind and carries us to the world of glory foretold in Revelation 21! Wintley Phipps' rendition sends chills down my spine and brings tears to my eyes. It is a powerful performance of a timeless masterpiece by a master artist!
Presidential Limousines
I want to know the mpg of this car.
It looks like a caddie, but the specs
sound more like those of a Bradley
armored vehicle.
Here is a Very Interesting Look at Past Presidential Limousines
The Poem
Here's a Piece on Elizabeth Alexander's Poem from City Journal's Stefan Kanfer.
Monday, January 19, 2009
The Big Freeze
Sometimes I Think G-d Shows His Sense of Humor
It's Minus Two outside this window!
We awakened at the Buckhorn Inn to find frosty patterns decorating the windows. The innkeeper cheerfully announced that it was minus two outside! A little creek across the road from the inn was a frosty fantasy wonderland.
I just wonder if the Divine in his wisdom took a look at some speech on 'global warming' being carefully crafted for Tuesday's festivities and decided to take some of the fire out of it by sending a Winter of yesteryear...
I can almost hear His hearty laughter!
A family explores the icicles along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
More icicles.
Sherando Lake in the George Washington National Forest is frozen solid all the way across. Perfect for a little ice hocky.
It's Minus Two outside this window!
We awakened at the Buckhorn Inn to find frosty patterns decorating the windows. The innkeeper cheerfully announced that it was minus two outside! A little creek across the road from the inn was a frosty fantasy wonderland.
I just wonder if the Divine in his wisdom took a look at some speech on 'global warming' being carefully crafted for Tuesday's festivities and decided to take some of the fire out of it by sending a Winter of yesteryear...
I can almost hear His hearty laughter!
A family explores the icicles along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
More icicles.
Sherando Lake in the George Washington National Forest is frozen solid all the way across. Perfect for a little ice hocky.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Special Getaway
An Old Stagecoach Tavern Provides a Welcome Respite
The Buckhorn Inn was built in 1811 and was originally a tavern along the stagecoach route.
We enjoyed a much neededed getaway this weekend to The Buckhorn Inn. The historic tavern was built in 1811 and Stonewall Jackson changed stagecoaches there once. Later the building was used as a field hospital after the battle of McDowell. Today the inn lives on as a popular bed and breakfast run by Garlan and Sylvia Yoder. In recent times the inn has featured a bountiful buffet of country specialties. Be sure to save room for some delicious peanut butter pie!
The Inn's beautiful staircase is pegged.
The Buckhorn Inn was built in 1811 and was originally a tavern along the stagecoach route.
We enjoyed a much neededed getaway this weekend to The Buckhorn Inn. The historic tavern was built in 1811 and Stonewall Jackson changed stagecoaches there once. Later the building was used as a field hospital after the battle of McDowell. Today the inn lives on as a popular bed and breakfast run by Garlan and Sylvia Yoder. In recent times the inn has featured a bountiful buffet of country specialties. Be sure to save room for some delicious peanut butter pie!
The Inn's beautiful staircase is pegged.
Friday, January 16, 2009
'Disproportionate' Demonization
"The World is Strangely Blinkered in the Tragedies to Which it Responds."
Mona Charen Describes How the World Values Some Victims More than Others We are reminded daily of how bad things are in Gaza. Certainly all of us pray for that situation to come to an end. David Suissa's Gaza Riviera would be a dream come true.
"68 percent of General Assembly resolutions regarding violations of human rights targeted Israel. Afghanistan was cited in 4 percent of the resolutions along with Azerbaijan, Georgia, the United States and a few others. Russia, Sudan, China, and Saudi Arabia, just to name a few, were not cited at all. In 2007, 32 countries were mentioned for human rights violations, though most just barely. Israel once again topped the list with 121 actions taken against her. Sudan came in second with 61, Myanmar third with 41. The U.S. was No. 4, with 39 actions, tied with the Democratic Republic of the Congo!" -- Mona Charen
Visit www.persecution.com and you will see a whole lot of hostility towards Christian minorities in places that never make the nightly news. In places like India, these Christians will bring hope and dignity to people such as the Dhalit [untouchables] and face beatings from brutal Hindu radicals for their efforts. If the media is truely interested in bringing to light human suffering in the world, they have their work cut out for them.
Mona Charen Describes How the World Values Some Victims More than Others We are reminded daily of how bad things are in Gaza. Certainly all of us pray for that situation to come to an end. David Suissa's Gaza Riviera would be a dream come true.
"68 percent of General Assembly resolutions regarding violations of human rights targeted Israel. Afghanistan was cited in 4 percent of the resolutions along with Azerbaijan, Georgia, the United States and a few others. Russia, Sudan, China, and Saudi Arabia, just to name a few, were not cited at all. In 2007, 32 countries were mentioned for human rights violations, though most just barely. Israel once again topped the list with 121 actions taken against her. Sudan came in second with 61, Myanmar third with 41. The U.S. was No. 4, with 39 actions, tied with the Democratic Republic of the Congo!" -- Mona Charen
Visit www.persecution.com and you will see a whole lot of hostility towards Christian minorities in places that never make the nightly news. In places like India, these Christians will bring hope and dignity to people such as the Dhalit [untouchables] and face beatings from brutal Hindu radicals for their efforts. If the media is truely interested in bringing to light human suffering in the world, they have their work cut out for them.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
The Worst Book of the Year
Koogler Committee Confers Dubious Distinction
Here Bob Tyrrell Tells the Story of a revisionist history so skewed it merited special attention.
Here Bob Tyrrell Tells the Story of a revisionist history so skewed it merited special attention.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Hamas' Other Unseen Victims
Gaza's Christian Minority Suffers in the Conflict
Here's a Communication Received by Voice of the Martyrs. The 3000 some Christian minority in Gaza is asking for prayer. Hamas' terrorism and the Israeli response create a terrible situation for them as well. The Middle East is a complex region. Again our news media leave us in the dark about so much essential information.
There seems to be no one like Noam Bedein in their community to tell their story for them. But look at the pictures from Sderot and use your imagination. The horror of war stretches beyond the visible horizon.
Update: The Gaza Riviera:
A Look at What Might Have Been
Here's a Communication Received by Voice of the Martyrs. The 3000 some Christian minority in Gaza is asking for prayer. Hamas' terrorism and the Israeli response create a terrible situation for them as well. The Middle East is a complex region. Again our news media leave us in the dark about so much essential information.
There seems to be no one like Noam Bedein in their community to tell their story for them. But look at the pictures from Sderot and use your imagination. The horror of war stretches beyond the visible horizon.
Update: The Gaza Riviera:
A Look at What Might Have Been
Modern Day Nehemiah
Noam Bedein's Mission is Unique, But It's Not New
"But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official and Geshem the Arab heard about it, they mocked and ridiculed us. "What is this you are doing?" they asked. "Are you rebelling against the king?" -- (Nehemiah 2:19)
Noam Bedein, Founder of Sderot Media
I frankly expected someone much older. Thewebsite I discovered while trying to get perspective on the situation in Southern Israel Sderot Media, is the creation of Noam Bedein, a young man in his twenties. Just like Nehemiah of old, Bedein saw the perilous situation of his beloved city and became both advocate and activist to change things. In the face of opposition from the Western Media, Uninformed pressure from Western Leaders and downright hostility from Hamas, the young photojournalist found his mission to tell Sderot's story and work for the healing of her people. Bedein’s ultimate goal is: "to make people aware of the crisis and present the Israeli perspective that is not often portrayed accurately in the media."
Bedein has lived through about 7000 rockets raining down on the city, who's population consists largely of new immigrants [many from Russia] who are simply too poor to move elsewhere. Many of the citizens are dug in to stay, fearing their exodus would simply create a vacuum for terrorists to move in.
Through Sderot Media, he has also founded Sderot Community Treatment Theater. This theatre project helps young residents of Sderot suffering from post traumatic stress syndrome.
"But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official and Geshem the Arab heard about it, they mocked and ridiculed us. "What is this you are doing?" they asked. "Are you rebelling against the king?" -- (Nehemiah 2:19)
Noam Bedein, Founder of Sderot Media
I frankly expected someone much older. Thewebsite I discovered while trying to get perspective on the situation in Southern Israel Sderot Media, is the creation of Noam Bedein, a young man in his twenties. Just like Nehemiah of old, Bedein saw the perilous situation of his beloved city and became both advocate and activist to change things. In the face of opposition from the Western Media, Uninformed pressure from Western Leaders and downright hostility from Hamas, the young photojournalist found his mission to tell Sderot's story and work for the healing of her people. Bedein’s ultimate goal is: "to make people aware of the crisis and present the Israeli perspective that is not often portrayed accurately in the media."
Bedein has lived through about 7000 rockets raining down on the city, who's population consists largely of new immigrants [many from Russia] who are simply too poor to move elsewhere. Many of the citizens are dug in to stay, fearing their exodus would simply create a vacuum for terrorists to move in.
Through Sderot Media, he has also founded Sderot Community Treatment Theater. This theatre project helps young residents of Sderot suffering from post traumatic stress syndrome.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Clear Thinking
History Teaches Us How To Pursue Peace in Gaza
Here is a Bit of Clear Thinking by Thomas Sowell that should be in every paper of influence in the world according to Jewish World Review. In fact, Read on as Dennis Prager Discusses Moral Equivalence.
Here is a Bit of Clear Thinking by Thomas Sowell that should be in every paper of influence in the world according to Jewish World Review. In fact, Read on as Dennis Prager Discusses Moral Equivalence.
Monday, January 12, 2009
The Fragrence of Eden
Wisdom from an Old Rebbe
In the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Here is a Beautiful Story of an old Rebbe who's devotion to G-d's work of redemption shaped the way he lived his own life. The wise man was told one day that the Messiah had come and was in the steet outside. The man opened the window, sniffed the air outside and declared the so-called 'Messiah' a fraud. His instincts told him the coming Messiah would bring with him the sweet fragrance of Eden, the fragrence of the divine presence in the tabernacle and the temple, that was lost when the Glory departed.
Years later, the Rebbe's son wondered why his father had to go to the window to sniff the air. Surely the sweet smell of redemption would come into the house. His son then realized that the father had lived his life in devotion to torah study and the expectancy of Messiah's coming. His life, so lived, gave his own dwelling place the fragrance of what he hoped for. Thus it was necessary for him to smell the air outside his house to know if what he hoped for had truely appeared.
May our faith and devotion create such an aroma in our own dwelling places!
Spring Crocus
In the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Here is a Beautiful Story of an old Rebbe who's devotion to G-d's work of redemption shaped the way he lived his own life. The wise man was told one day that the Messiah had come and was in the steet outside. The man opened the window, sniffed the air outside and declared the so-called 'Messiah' a fraud. His instincts told him the coming Messiah would bring with him the sweet fragrance of Eden, the fragrence of the divine presence in the tabernacle and the temple, that was lost when the Glory departed.
Years later, the Rebbe's son wondered why his father had to go to the window to sniff the air. Surely the sweet smell of redemption would come into the house. His son then realized that the father had lived his life in devotion to torah study and the expectancy of Messiah's coming. His life, so lived, gave his own dwelling place the fragrance of what he hoped for. Thus it was necessary for him to smell the air outside his house to know if what he hoped for had truely appeared.
May our faith and devotion create such an aroma in our own dwelling places!
Spring Crocus
Obfuscation Economics
How Fed Policy Dulled the Employment of Basic Human Intuition
Here's a Piece by Michael Shermer that makes a lot of sense. It should be required reading for anyone trying to make sense of the mortgage meltdown and the current credit crisis. Of course, more government oversight is going to fix everything, right?
Yesterrday a friend of mine invited me to scope out some properties going up for auction in the Western part of our county. In one case the amount owed was substantially above assessed value and all of them seemed skewed in that category. There was about $85,000 owed on a piece of property assessed around fifty thousand. When we actually drove up to the odd parcel in a depressed neighborhood we had to work real hard to justify offering a fraction of that.
Our little road trip served to underscore Michael Shermer's observations as my friend quickly crossed that one off of his list.
Update: In Light of this, I'm Still Trying to Understand Real Estate Values in Chicago...
Here's What $1.65 Million Will Get You There
Hat tips to Atlas Shrugs.
Here's a Piece by Michael Shermer that makes a lot of sense. It should be required reading for anyone trying to make sense of the mortgage meltdown and the current credit crisis. Of course, more government oversight is going to fix everything, right?
Yesterrday a friend of mine invited me to scope out some properties going up for auction in the Western part of our county. In one case the amount owed was substantially above assessed value and all of them seemed skewed in that category. There was about $85,000 owed on a piece of property assessed around fifty thousand. When we actually drove up to the odd parcel in a depressed neighborhood we had to work real hard to justify offering a fraction of that.
Our little road trip served to underscore Michael Shermer's observations as my friend quickly crossed that one off of his list.
Update: In Light of this, I'm Still Trying to Understand Real Estate Values in Chicago...
Here's What $1.65 Million Will Get You There
Hat tips to Atlas Shrugs.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Why the 'Fairness Doctrine' Isn't
This 1949 FCC Regulation Actually Stifled the Flow of Ideas
There is much talk these days about re-instating the so-called 'Fairness Doctrine' which is an old FCC regulation that initially was created to keep the then few media outlets from presenting only one point of view. In 1949 there were not that many radio stations and the monopolization of them seemed a valid threat.
In fact, the doctrine was seldom invoked, but created a climate where radio stations generally avoided controversial content all together. Most stations simply built their market share around a particular music genre and their public discourse content seldom ventured beyond broadcasting political debates [where the presentation of opposing views is self-contained].
In 1987 the FCC declared the regulation unnecessary and stated that it no longer served any valid purpose. There were many more media choices and the spectre of monopolization was non-existant. Congress attempted to pass the 'Fairness Doctrine' into law, but President Ronald Reagan vetoed it.
Radio personality Rush Limbaugh at that time launched his then unique talk program. The format was a continual presentation and discussion of Conservative ideas. Limbaugh proved to be a master teacher, putting the thoughts of such illuminaries as William F. Buckly, Jr. into the language of the common man. Rush had a rare gift for making this discussion interesting. He presented vivid examples and punctuated the show with musical parodies by Paul Shanklin. He never did 'guest interviews' but bravely handed host duties to a parade of conservative heavyweights. Sean Hannity, Mark Levin, Walter Williams and Tony Snow all took their turn in the 'Atilla the Hun Chair.' Audiences loved it. Today they have quite a few programs of this type and generally listen to several of them.
But Senator Charles Schumer has likened conservative talk radio to pornography and says that it is 'inconsistant' to want to limit pornography on the air and oppose re-instatement of the 'Fairness Doctrine,' which he desires to impose. Never mind that the left's idea of 'freedom of expression' embraces pornography as 'protected speech,' but cringes at the notion that some effective conervative might actually reach an audience in a free forum. Nancy Pelosi is on board for this legislation as well. Remember Senate Bill 1's 'Grassroots Provisions' in the 2006 Congress? This little provision would have used reporting requirements and huge fines to effectively silence conservative voices. It would have affected Dr. James Dobson who regularly presents analysis of public policy and its effect on the family and a host of independent bloggers. What's fascinating is that the 'Grassroots Provisions' were effectively opposed by the ACLU and Christian broadcasters!
As I said before, the old 'Fairness Doctrine' was actually almost never invoked. It had the chilling effect desired by simply standing in the way of stations ever actually presenting programming. A re-instated 'Fairness Doctrine' would allow for an onslaught of 'complaints' about Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, James Dobson and all the others. The FCC would then presumably demand that equal time be provided for what it deemed 'opposing views.' On the am dial, that would probably mean the requirement to air some liberal talk show even if there was no market for it. Eventually stations would probably give up popular conservative shows rather than let the FCC determine their programming. The Los Angeles Times says: "The threat to talk radio is clear. If the rule were reinstated, stations that carry Rush Limbaugh could be forced to broadcast commentaries favoring everything that Limbaugh derides, from greenhouse gas controls to same-sex marriage. With hundreds of provocative talk-show hosts on the air, federal regulators could soon be awash in demands for rebuttals. But the danger posed by the Fairness Doctrine is broader and more fundamental than an attack on a radio format. No matter what your point of view might be, you have free or inexpensive outlets available today to express them."
Christian Radio Stations would face an even graver threat. Using FCC complaints, homosexual groups or athiests could demand their 'rights' as presenters of an opposing point of view. Stations could be forced to air material that violated their own conscience or lose their license to broadcast. Faith-based radio could effectively be driven offshore.
There is much talk these days about re-instating the so-called 'Fairness Doctrine' which is an old FCC regulation that initially was created to keep the then few media outlets from presenting only one point of view. In 1949 there were not that many radio stations and the monopolization of them seemed a valid threat.
In fact, the doctrine was seldom invoked, but created a climate where radio stations generally avoided controversial content all together. Most stations simply built their market share around a particular music genre and their public discourse content seldom ventured beyond broadcasting political debates [where the presentation of opposing views is self-contained].
In 1987 the FCC declared the regulation unnecessary and stated that it no longer served any valid purpose. There were many more media choices and the spectre of monopolization was non-existant. Congress attempted to pass the 'Fairness Doctrine' into law, but President Ronald Reagan vetoed it.
Radio personality Rush Limbaugh at that time launched his then unique talk program. The format was a continual presentation and discussion of Conservative ideas. Limbaugh proved to be a master teacher, putting the thoughts of such illuminaries as William F. Buckly, Jr. into the language of the common man. Rush had a rare gift for making this discussion interesting. He presented vivid examples and punctuated the show with musical parodies by Paul Shanklin. He never did 'guest interviews' but bravely handed host duties to a parade of conservative heavyweights. Sean Hannity, Mark Levin, Walter Williams and Tony Snow all took their turn in the 'Atilla the Hun Chair.' Audiences loved it. Today they have quite a few programs of this type and generally listen to several of them.
But Senator Charles Schumer has likened conservative talk radio to pornography and says that it is 'inconsistant' to want to limit pornography on the air and oppose re-instatement of the 'Fairness Doctrine,' which he desires to impose. Never mind that the left's idea of 'freedom of expression' embraces pornography as 'protected speech,' but cringes at the notion that some effective conervative might actually reach an audience in a free forum. Nancy Pelosi is on board for this legislation as well. Remember Senate Bill 1's 'Grassroots Provisions' in the 2006 Congress? This little provision would have used reporting requirements and huge fines to effectively silence conservative voices. It would have affected Dr. James Dobson who regularly presents analysis of public policy and its effect on the family and a host of independent bloggers. What's fascinating is that the 'Grassroots Provisions' were effectively opposed by the ACLU and Christian broadcasters!
As I said before, the old 'Fairness Doctrine' was actually almost never invoked. It had the chilling effect desired by simply standing in the way of stations ever actually presenting programming. A re-instated 'Fairness Doctrine' would allow for an onslaught of 'complaints' about Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, James Dobson and all the others. The FCC would then presumably demand that equal time be provided for what it deemed 'opposing views.' On the am dial, that would probably mean the requirement to air some liberal talk show even if there was no market for it. Eventually stations would probably give up popular conservative shows rather than let the FCC determine their programming. The Los Angeles Times says: "The threat to talk radio is clear. If the rule were reinstated, stations that carry Rush Limbaugh could be forced to broadcast commentaries favoring everything that Limbaugh derides, from greenhouse gas controls to same-sex marriage. With hundreds of provocative talk-show hosts on the air, federal regulators could soon be awash in demands for rebuttals. But the danger posed by the Fairness Doctrine is broader and more fundamental than an attack on a radio format. No matter what your point of view might be, you have free or inexpensive outlets available today to express them."
Christian Radio Stations would face an even graver threat. Using FCC complaints, homosexual groups or athiests could demand their 'rights' as presenters of an opposing point of view. Stations could be forced to air material that violated their own conscience or lose their license to broadcast. Faith-based radio could effectively be driven offshore.
Jefferson's Library
It Became the First Collection of A University
Thomas Jefferson's books became the original library of the University of Virginia and were housed in this reproduction of the Parthenon designed by Jefferson himself. 1914 Photo by Rufus W. Holsinger.
The Rotunda was always a wonder to me. Here in the rolling hills of Virginia sits a nice brick interpretation of the Parthenon set in a Palladian vision of the ideal village. Here is an Interesting Article about Jefferson's Library by Michael Knox Beran discussing the book: The Road to Monticello: The Life and Mind of Thomas Jefferson, by Kevin J. Hayes (Oxford, 738 pp., $34.95)
Jefferson's ideal of many such self-governing small communities is described well by Beran and his vision is worth serious study in our age.
Thomas Jefferson's books became the original library of the University of Virginia and were housed in this reproduction of the Parthenon designed by Jefferson himself. 1914 Photo by Rufus W. Holsinger.
The Rotunda was always a wonder to me. Here in the rolling hills of Virginia sits a nice brick interpretation of the Parthenon set in a Palladian vision of the ideal village. Here is an Interesting Article about Jefferson's Library by Michael Knox Beran discussing the book: The Road to Monticello: The Life and Mind of Thomas Jefferson, by Kevin J. Hayes (Oxford, 738 pp., $34.95)
Jefferson's ideal of many such self-governing small communities is described well by Beran and his vision is worth serious study in our age.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Apollo 8
The Famous Christmas Greeting from Lunar Orbit
Earth over the Moon.
This Video of the Apollo 8 Greeting was seen on the Family Foundation Blog. I still remember the wonderful image of the Moon turning as the astronauts read from Genesis.
Earth over the Moon.
This Video of the Apollo 8 Greeting was seen on the Family Foundation Blog. I still remember the wonderful image of the Moon turning as the astronauts read from Genesis.
Nehemiah Had the Right Idea
Prayer is the Place to Begin
A sign on a heavy equipment dealership in Fishersville, Virginia says it clearly: Pray for recovery.
We have often relied so much on our own self-reliance that we face the problems before us with great anxiety. The actions of a handful of men in Washington and in corporate offices have had consequences that have been beyond our ability to overcome.
Nehemiah faced great problems and opposition when he set out to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, yet he began wth prayer. He won the monitary support of a hostle king, overcame opposition close to home and led each family in rebuilding the section of wall by their house.
If that sounds like what we face today, join in prayer.
A sign on a heavy equipment dealership in Fishersville, Virginia says it clearly: Pray for recovery.
We have often relied so much on our own self-reliance that we face the problems before us with great anxiety. The actions of a handful of men in Washington and in corporate offices have had consequences that have been beyond our ability to overcome.
Nehemiah faced great problems and opposition when he set out to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, yet he began wth prayer. He won the monitary support of a hostle king, overcame opposition close to home and led each family in rebuilding the section of wall by their house.
If that sounds like what we face today, join in prayer.
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